When it comes to smartphones, one of the most heated debates centres around which operating system is best. Are you team Android or team iOS? Apple iOS, originally known as iPhone OS, is a mobile operating system developed by Apple inc.

Unlike Google’s Android OS which is available on a wide range of devices from various handset manufacturers, iOS runs only on Apple made devices, namely the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.

iOS uses multi-touch gestures – swiping, pinching tapping and the reverse pinch – as the foundation of its user interface. This intuitive motion interaction was soon imitated by other technology companies and soon found its way into other operating systems.

The beauty of iOS is that Apple makes both the hardware and the operating system, which means that everything is designed to work together.

Because of this, all the apps on your iDevice are optimised for efficiency and a seamless user experience.

Not everything is rosy in the iOS garden though, while Apple provides a great user experience, it often comes at the expense of choice.

Unlike Android which allows its users to customise everything from themes and layouts on their phone, to which keyboard they use and how the app icons look, Apple provides you with what they believe to be the only items and designs that you will need.

Apple iOS has undergone many updates and changes, improving its offering with every new iteration.

The current version is iOS 8, with iOS 9 expected to be released later this year.

“iOS 9 is packed with more intelligence throughout, and delivers big updates to the apps customers use most — Maps supports public transit, a redesigned Notes app provides great new ways to capture ideas, and a beautiful News app delivers content that’s personalized to your interests,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “With our new iPad features, users can take advantage of the power of iPad, working in two apps at the same time with Split View, Slide Over or Picture-in-Picture.”

According to Apple “iOS 9 makes the foundation of iOS even stronger with refinements including battery optimization that provides a typical user with an additional hour of battery life**, and a low-power mode to help further extend battery life. Software updates require less space to install and an Install Later feature can perform updates to your device when it’s not in use. Enhanced security features in iOS 9 keep your devices and Apple ID secure by strengthening the passcode that protects your devices and improving two-factor authentication by building it directly into iOS, making it harder for others to gain unauthorized access to your Apple ID.”

If you’re looking to get a new smartphone and you’re an Apple Mac user or you just want a smartphone that allows you to do what you need to without having to think about it, then iOS is the operating system for you.